A child of Elizabeth Dennie was born on 28 July 1792 in the Almshouse, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. This child's mother, Elizabeth Dennie, had given birth in the Boston Almshouse 2 to 3 years earlier with her first known illegitimate child.1

who did not survive his mother, however no sex or age at death was identified.1

Citations

[S934] Ebenezer Turell, The Life and Character of the Reverend Benjamin Colman, D.D. Late Pastor of a Church in Boston, New England, who Deceased August 29th 1747, downloaded from the Open Library Project at www.openlibrary.org. (Boston, Massachusetts: printed and sold by Rogers and Fowle and by J. Edwards, 1749), Chapter IX, pages 207-223. Hereinafter cited as The Life and Character of the Reverend Benjamin Colman.

[S929] Brattle Square Church, The Manifesto Church, records of the Church in Brattle Square, Boston, with lists of communicants, baptisms, marriages, and funerals, 1699-1872, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. Microreproduction of original published in Boston by The Benevolent Fraternity of Churches, 1902. (Salt Lake City, Utah: filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1968), page 161. Hereinafter cited as Brattle Square (Boston) Church records, 1699-1872.

Citations

[S932] Harold Milton Ellis Ph. D., "Joseph Dennie and His Circle: a Study in American Literature from 1792 to 1812", Bulletin of the University of Texas 40 (15 Jul 1915): Chapter I, pages 9-16. Hereinafter cited as "Joseph Dennie and His Circle."

Notices of his death appeared in several newspapers in Boston. Christopher was reported to have been 9 years old, and the second son of Captain Thomas Dennie, merchant. One short obituary said, "A youth whose sweetness of disposition, joined to a peculiar civility of manners, made him beloved by all who knew him". Another wrote, "A child of innocence will never die.1,4"

He died on Wednesday evening 27 July 1803 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. A notation of his death date was made next to his baptismal record and the notice of his death appeared in at least one Boston newspaper which described him as 5 years of age, and the son of Mr. Thomas Dennie.2,3

and was baptized on 26 July 1795 in King's Chapel, Boston. At David's baptism, his parents were recorded as Ebenezer Osgood and Elizabeth Turell Dennie. Ebenezer Osgood was also with Elizabeth and one of her children when she was discharged from the Boston Almshouse in 1797. It should be noted however, for future reference regarding the child David, that on 29 Feb 1795, one month before his birth, a man named David Sohier was married in Boston to Mary Olden (or Holden, per their intention of marriage) by the Reverend John Murray, a Universalist minister.1,2

(Son) Almshouse

6 September 1796

David's mother, her name recorded as ElizabethDana, and the man who had attended David's baptism, EbenezerOsgood, were admitted to the Almshouse in Boston on 6 September 1796. With them, and also admitted at the same time, was a child recorded as having been born to Elizabeth. The child was not identified further by name, sex or age, and it's possible that David, the child she had baptized with Ebenezer Osgood in 1795, may have been the child.3

(Son) Almshouse

29 March 1797

David's mother, ElizabethDana, and EbenezerOsgood were discharged from the Almshouse in Boston on 29 March 1797. With them, and also discharged at the same time, was the child born to Elizabeth who had been admitted with them on 6 Sep 1796.3

Ebenezer Turell Dennie was eight years old when he was named as a beneficiary of the ReverendEbenezerTurell in his will dated 9 November 1776 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Continental Congress). The will described young Ebenezer as the great-grandson of Turell's father-in-law, his revered and honored father, BenjaminColman, who had been "cast upon" Turell by providence due to the Revolutionary War. He gave Ebenezer 40 pounds sterling to be put into the hands of his Executor, "and to be used and improved for Ebenezer being taught and instructed in some trade, art or business, whereby he may get a comfortable living and be serviceable to his fellow creatures."3

(Son) Death

before 22 September 1778

Ebenezer's father may have been the John Dennie who died before 22 September 1778. He would have been 40 years of age. An estate advertisement appeared in the Independent Chronicle newspaper in Boston on 22 Sep 1778 regarding the estate of John Dennie. John's son, Ebenezer, was identified as "an orphan" by 16 Dec 1779 and his nine-year-old daughter, Betsy, was admitted to the Boston Almshouse by herself on 21 Aug 1778.4,5

Probate*

16 December 1779

On 16 December 1779, SimonTuftsEsq., as Executor for the estate of the ReverendEbenezerTurell, traveled to Boston and removed Ebenezer, who was 11 years old, from his family because he was an orphan.3

Research Notes*

1779

When Ebenezer Turell Dennie was described as an orphan in 1779, his mother Elizabeth (Jackson)Dennie was still alive. It is believed at this point, although we have no direct evidence, that his father JohnDennie was likely deceased.3

TurellDennie was listed in the 1816 Boston City Directory as a tailor of men's clothing on Butolph, Boston. Whether the listing is a mistake for "Ebenezer Turell" or an as yet unidentified son of Ebenezer's named "Turell" is not known.10

[S929] Brattle Square Church, The Manifesto Church, records of the Church in Brattle Square, Boston, with lists of communicants, baptisms, marriages, and funerals, 1699-1872, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. Microreproduction of original published in Boston by The Benevolent Fraternity of Churches, 1902. (Salt Lake City, Utah: filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1968), page 268. Hereinafter cited as Brattle Square (Boston) Church records, 1699-1872.

He died from the "accidental inhalation of illuminating gas" on 25 February 1904 at 322 Savin Hill Avenue, Dorchester, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, at age 75, although he was reported to have been age 73 years, 7 months, and 10 days.1,4

ElizabethDennie was the third daughter named in her father's will, and land records prove she was the daughter of Mary (Edwards) Dennie. Her birth was not recorded in Fairfield, and her birth date is not known. Because she married in 1743, and earlier researchers have surmised she would have been about 20 years old at that time, they also believe she was the youngest child of John and Mary. Their educated speculation is that Elizabeth was born shortly before the time of her mother's death.1

Marriage*

10 May 1743

She married WilliamFletcher after recording an Intention of Marriage dated 10 May 1743.2

(Daughter) Will

25 December 1744

Elizabeth was named in the will of her father JohnDennie dated 25 December 1744. He bequeathed to his loving wife Sarah forever one third part of all his estate both real and personal whether in this province, the colony of Connecticut, or elsewhere at her own disposal, his three Negro servants together with all household stuff. His will directed that 500 pounds lawful money of the province be lodged with his executors to be put to interest and improved for any of his children who were under age at the time of his death. He bequeathed to his son Albert Dennie 25 pounds lawful money which, with what he had already received, was his full portion and share. All the remainder of his estate, whether real or personal, he gave to his four other sons: John, William, Thomas and Joseph, and to his five daughters Mary, Grizzel, Elizabeth, Sarah and Abigail to be equally divided among them.

The biggest surprise in the will, published by researchers in 2002, was learning about Joseph, the fourth son of John Dennie. Joseph had not been mentioned in earlier research published in 1930-1932.

Mr. Dennie's will named his children in groups of men and then of women. The order of the naming by gender by their father in his will corresponds to the known dates from records in Fairfield Church. His will was not challenged in court.1

(Daughter) Land Records

The distribution of John Dennie's Connecticut real estate as bequeathed in his will of 1744 was not known to researchers until 2002 and presented many questions. He left his real estate in two parts: two-thirds of his Connecticut property directly to his nine named children, and one-third of all his estate forever "both real and personal whether in this province the colony of Connecticut or elsewhere" to his widow Sarah. This bequest created an estate in real property in Connecticut for Sarah (Webb) Dennie, his widow. Because Sarah died without leaving a will, it was left to the courts to identify and name Sarah's children and heirs.

Land records in Fairfield and in Ridgefield, both in Fairfield County, Connecticut, gave researchers information on the identity of Sarah's heirs. The land records also clarified John Dennie's two wives and clearly identified their two sets of children. Sarah (Webb) Dennie's children were named, and those of Mary (Edwards) Dennie were identified as the other children. Joseph Dennie appeared with Sarah's children as her heir, but not as her son.

The Dennie children all eventually, after they attained their majority, or for the girls, married, sold their Fairfield and Ridgefield real estate. Researchers noted in their report, as an aside, that the real estate was of small value compared to the other property they inherited from their father.

Determined researchers explained their strategy by stating that complete land research for a parcel of property required that deeds be located for all the land sales of the heirs of John Dennie, which they called "the two thirds of the property" and of the heirs of Sarah Dennie, or "the one third of the property". They believed these transactions would identify all the interested parties in the entire package of real estate under review. They knew they were looking for a minimum of two deeds: one for the nine children of John Dennie and one for the court determined heirs of John's widow, Sarah (Webb) Dennie. Unfortunately, they did not know the maximum number of deeds they were looking for, since each of the children could have sold separately, one at a time.

Extensive research of the Dennie family land records in both Fairfield and Ridgefield was said by the researchers to have been "revealing, surprising and astonishing." They took special note in the first two land sales in the grouping and the unity of eight of the heirs. Eight of the nine children named in John Dennie's will joined together to sell all their two thirds interest at one time in one transaction. The deed named each of the eight stating "which said [children] are eight of the children and heirs of John Dennie late... Whereas the same John Dennie by his last will and testament duly proved gave and bequeathed unto his said eight children and his other son Joseph two full third parts of all the real estate... nine acres in Fairfield..." The deed was dated 24 Jan 1758 and recorded 8 Jun 1762. All of the parties named except Joseph signed at one time.

The second deed they found recorded in Fairfield was the sale by the Sarah Dennie heirs, again excepting Joseph. Sarah's four children were named and described as "children and heirs of Sarah Dennie late of Boston deceased intestate... whereas Mr. John Dennie late... by his last will duly proved approved and allowed gave and bequeathed to his widow the said Sarah Dennie one full third part of all his real estate in fee simple... The same Sarah soon after dyed intestate leaving the said William Thomas Sarah and Abigail and one Joseph Dennie her children and heirs". The deed was dated and recorded on the same dates as the first deed, 24 Jan 1758 and 8 Jun 1758, respectively.

The researchers also noted that William Dennie had received a double portion as the eldest son of the intestate Sarah, not the eldest son of John, and sold both parts. Sarah's other three children each received and sold one part. Joseph Dennie had received one portion which he would sell separately, later. John Dennie's son John had received two portions of his father's estate, and each of his siblings had received one. All, except Joseph, sold in full in the first deed described.1

Occupation*

1763

WilliamFletcher was a respectable West India trader, and in 1763 was living in Jamaica. Whether or not his wife, Elizabeth, was with him there is not known.2

Family

Citations

[S928] Robert W. Hull, "John Dennie of Fairfield, later of Boston, and his family: Mary (Edwards) Dennie and her children, Sarah (Webb) Dennie and her children, and John Dennie's other son, one Joseph Dennie", viewed and downloaded from www.americanancestors.org. The Connecticut Nutmegger, Volume 35, pages 434-440 (December 2002). Hereinafter cited as "John Dennie of Fairfield, later of Boston, and his family."

[S932] Harold Milton Ellis Ph. D., "Joseph Dennie and His Circle: a Study in American Literature from 1792 to 1812", Bulletin of the University of Texas 40 (15 Jul 1915): Chapter I, pages 9-16. Hereinafter cited as "Joseph Dennie and His Circle."

ElizabethDennie was baptized on 18 June 1769 at Brattle Street Church, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England). The proof of her identity was obtained through a process of data collection. The church records noted that she was the daughter of John and Elizabeth "Dennie". A Packard Family Bible record, made after the marriage of Betsey's daughter to Josiah Packard some years later, stated that Betsey was born in Boston, the daughter of John "Dana" (Tuel) and Elizabeth. John Dennie and his family were members of the Brattle Street Church which is the same church where Betsy married our John Bolton ancestor as his first wife. This researcher has consistently seen the spellings "Dana", "Dennie" and "Denny" all used to identify members of this family. John and Elizabeth Dennie's son Ebenezer's middle name was Turell, another spelling we have seen for the name "Tuel", and when she baptized one of her illegitimate children, Betsy's name was recorded as "Elizabeth Turell Dennie."1,3

Elizabeth's father may have been the John Dennie who died before 22 September 1778. He would have been 40 years of age. An estate advertisement appeared in the Independent Chronicle newspaper in Boston on 22 Sep 1778 regarding the estate of John Dennie. John's son, Ebenezer, was identified as "an orphan" by 16 Dec 1779 and his nine-year-old daughter, Betsy, was admitted to the Boston Almshouse by herself on 21 Aug 1778.5,6

Almshouse

4 August 1789

Elizabeth Dennie, pregnant with a child, was admitted into the almshouse by the town of Boston on 4 August 1789 by order of John White Esq., one of the overseers of the poor7

Almshouse

26 April 1790

Recorded as Betsy Dennie, she and her child were discharged on 26 April 1790. The name of the child was not provided and the father was not identified.8

Almshouse

28 July 1792

Elizabeth Dennie gave birth to another child in the almshouse in Boston on 28 July 1792 as reported by William Scollay, a Selectman. Their date of discharge was not found, the child's name was not provided nor was the father identified.9

Almshouse

5 September 1794

Elizabeth Denney was admitted into the almshouse by the town of Boston on 5 September 1794 by order of John White, an overseer of the poor10

Betsy, her name written as "Betey Denney", was admitted again 2 weeks later into the almshouse by the town of Boston on 2 October 1794 by order of L. Austin, an overseer of the poor12

Almshouse

8 October 1794

She was discharged as Elizabeth Betsey Dennie six days later on 8 October 1794.12

Almshouse

7 December 1794

Elizabeth Denney was admitted again into the almshouse on 7 December 1794 by the town of Boston by order of Ed Proctor, an overseer of the poor. The date of her discharge was not found.13

(Mother) Baptism

26 July 1795

When David SohierDennie was baptized on 26 July 1795 in King's Chapel, Boston, his record of baptism listed his parents as Elizabeth Turell Dennie and EbenezerOsgood. The record didn't include a surname for David, and in the index, his surname was shown as DENNIE. It should be noted, for future reference regarding the child David, that on 29 Feb 1795, one month before his birth, a man named David Sohier was married in Boston to Mary Ogden (or Holden, per their intention of marriage) by the Reverend John Murray, a Universalist minister.14,15

Name-Spellings

Other spellings of the TURELL surname found in our research included TRUELL and TUEL.

Almshouse

6 September 1796

Elizabeth Dana and EbenezerOsgood were admitted to the Almshouse in Boston on 6 September 1796. With them, and also admitted at the same time, was a child recorded as having been born to Elizabeth. The child was not identified further by name, sex or age, and it's possible that David, the child she had baptized with Ebenezer Osgood in 1795, may have been the child.16

Research Notes*

In just three months, Elizabeth "Betsy" Dennie and JohnBolton would marry. It is suspected that John was a seaman and left Boston almost immediately after his marriage, since he was very likely the seaman John Bolton who was captured and held in Mill Prison, Plymouth, England in 1797. John's absence from Boston would explain how Betsy could accomplish all that she did.16,17

Elizabeth Dana and EbenezerOsgood were discharged from the Almshouse in Boston on 29 March 1797. With them, and also discharged at the same time, was the child born to Elizabeth who had been admitted with them on 6 Sep 1796.16

Divorce Filing*

14 June 1797

JohnBolton signed a notification against Betsy Bolton dated on 14 June 1797 that appeared in the Boston Centinel and was re-published in The Western Star of Stockbridge, Massachusetts on 17 Jul 1797. In what may well have been a method of obtaining a divorce in 1797, the Western Star article read: The following extraordinary advertisement is copied from the Boston Centinel. "Whereas, my wife Betsy, has eloped from my bed and board, and has behaved in an unbecoming and indecent manner, by propagating the human species in a way other than the one prescribed by law: this is to caution all kinds of people, black, white, or pie-balled, against trusting her on my account, (harbour they may if they can) as I will not pay one mille of her contracting after this date. JOHN BOLTON. Bridgewater, June 14". A PDF copy of the article is attached.20

Almshouse*

6 July 1797

Elizabeth Bolton was admitted to the Almshouse in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, on 6 July 1797. While there, she gave birth to another child who was not named or identified by sex. The record stated that the child was born on the 24th of January 1798 of Betsy Bolton and that they belonged to the town of Boston.21

Almshouse

4 September 1798

Both mother and child appear to have been discharged as the responsibility of the town of Boston on 4 Sep 1798. It seems unlikely that this child was her daughter Betsey DennyBolton, who noted as an adult in her family's Bible that she was born or baptized on 17 Dec 1802. It is more probable that this was another illegitimate child of Betsy's and the reason for her former husband's anger and subsequent divorce. Research indicates that John Bolton and Betsy Denny Bolton had no children together and that Betsy had at least three illegitimate children before her marriage and one or two more illegitimate children using the name Bolton after the couple divorced and parted in 1797.22

Almshouse

4 September 1798

Elizabeth Bolton and her child were re-admitted on the same date of 4 September 1798 to the Almshouse in Boston. Their re-admittance, likely just an administrative change in financial responsibility, noted that they belonged to the town of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.23

Almshouse

22 August 1799

The town of Bridgewater was notified on 22 August 1799 by the Almshouse in Boston that the price for Elizabeth Bolton and her child for the period between 22 May 1799 and 22 Aug 1799 was being charged at the rate of $3 per week.24

Almshouse

7 September 1799

Elizabeth Bolton and her child, belonging to the town of Bridgewater, were discharged on 7 September 1799, one year after their 4 Sep 1798 re-admittance into the Boston Almshouse.23

Almshouse

7 September 1799

On 7 September 1799, the town of Bridgewater was billed by the Boston Almshouse for the board and care of Elizabeth Bolton and her child in the amount of $53.28 which was paid by cash on 24 Feb 1800.25

Death*

19 February 1846

Betsy Bolton died of pleurisy (pain in her chest with each breath) at age 76 on 19 February 1846 in West Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. The information recorded about her death also noted that she was "74 years", 8 months, a housekeeper, born in Boston, "widow" of John, daughter of John Dana Tuel and Elizabeth.3

[S929] Brattle Square Church, The Manifesto Church, records of the Church in Brattle Square, Boston, with lists of communicants, baptisms, marriages, and funerals, 1699-1872, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. Microreproduction of original published in Boston by The Benevolent Fraternity of Churches, 1902. (Salt Lake City, Utah: filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1968), page 264. Hereinafter cited as Brattle Square (Boston) Church records, 1699-1872.

George Dennie and WilliamClark were listed in the leather business together in the 1831 Boston City Directory. "Dennie and Clark" was located at 23 N. Market, Boston, and George's house was listed separately at 49 Poplar.4

Grizzel was named in the will of her father JohnDennie dated 25 December 1744. He bequeathed to his loving wife Sarah forever one third part of all his estate both real and personal whether in this province, the colony of Connecticut, or elsewhere at her own disposal, his three Negro servants together with all household stuff. His will directed that 500 pounds lawful money of the province be lodged with his executors to be put to interest and improved for any of his children who were under age at the time of his death. He bequeathed to his son Albert Dennie 25 pounds lawful money which, with what he had already received, was his full portion and share. All the remainder of his estate, whether real or personal, he gave to his four other sons: John, William, Thomas and Joseph, and to his five daughters Mary, Grizzel, Elizabeth, Sarah and Abigail to be equally divided among them.

The biggest surprise in the will, published by researchers in 2002, was learning about Joseph, the fourth son of John Dennie. Joseph had not been mentioned in earlier research published in 1930-1932.

Mr. Dennie's will named his children in groups of men and then of women. The order of the naming by gender by their father in his will corresponds to the known dates from records in Fairfield Church. His will was not challenged in court.1

She married second Dr.SimpsonJones of Hopkinton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts on 5 April 1753.2,1

(Daughter) Land Records

The distribution of John Dennie's Connecticut real estate as bequeathed in his will of 1744 was not known to researchers until 2002 and presented many questions. He left his real estate in two parts: two-thirds of his Connecticut property directly to his nine named children, and one-third of all his estate forever "both real and personal whether in this province the colony of Connecticut or elsewhere" to his widow Sarah. This bequest created an estate in real property in Connecticut for Sarah (Webb) Dennie, his widow. Because Sarah died without leaving a will, it was left to the courts to identify and name Sarah's children and heirs.

Land records in Fairfield and in Ridgefield, both in Fairfield County, Connecticut, gave researchers information on the identity of Sarah's heirs. The land records also clarified John Dennie's two wives and clearly identified their two sets of children. Sarah (Webb) Dennie's children were named, and those of Mary (Edwards) Dennie were identified as the other children. Joseph Dennie appeared with Sarah's children as her heir, but not as her son.

The Dennie children all eventually, after they attained their majority, or for the girls, married, sold their Fairfield and Ridgefield real estate. Researchers noted in their report, as an aside, that the real estate was of small value compared to the other property they inherited from their father.

Determined researchers explained their strategy by stating that complete land research for a parcel of property required that deeds be located for all the land sales of the heirs of John Dennie, which they called "the two thirds of the property" and of the heirs of Sarah Dennie, or "the one third of the property". They believed these transactions would identify all the interested parties in the entire package of real estate under review. They knew they were looking for a minimum of two deeds: one for the nine children of John Dennie and one for the court determined heirs of John's widow, Sarah (Webb) Dennie. Unfortunately, they did not know the maximum number of deeds they were looking for, since each of the children could have sold separately, one at a time.

Extensive research of the Dennie family land records in both Fairfield and Ridgefield was said by the researchers to have been "revealing, surprising and astonishing." They took special note in the first two land sales in the grouping and the unity of eight of the heirs. Eight of the nine children named in John Dennie's will joined together to sell all their two thirds interest at one time in one transaction. The deed named each of the eight stating "which said [children] are eight of the children and heirs of John Dennie late... Whereas the same John Dennie by his last will and testament duly proved gave and bequeathed unto his said eight children and his other son Joseph two full third parts of all the real estate... nine acres in Fairfield..." The deed was dated 24 Jan 1758 and recorded 8 Jun 1762. All of the parties named except Joseph signed at one time.

The second deed they found recorded in Fairfield was the sale by the Sarah Dennie heirs, again excepting Joseph. Sarah's four children were named and described as "children and heirs of Sarah Dennie late of Boston deceased intestate... whereas Mr. John Dennie late... by his last will duly proved approved and allowed gave and bequeathed to his widow the said Sarah Dennie one full third part of all his real estate in fee simple... The same Sarah soon after dyed intestate leaving the said William Thomas Sarah and Abigail and one Joseph Dennie her children and heirs". The deed was dated and recorded on the same dates as the first deed, 24 Jan 1758 and 8 Jun 1758, respectively.

The researchers also noted that William Dennie had received a double portion as the eldest son of the intestate Sarah, not the eldest son of John, and sold both parts. Sarah's other three children each received and sold one part. Joseph Dennie had received one portion which he would sell separately, later. John Dennie's son John had received two portions of his father's estate, and each of his siblings had received one. All, except Joseph, sold in full in the first deed described.1

Citations

[S928] Robert W. Hull, "John Dennie of Fairfield, later of Boston, and his family: Mary (Edwards) Dennie and her children, Sarah (Webb) Dennie and her children, and John Dennie's other son, one Joseph Dennie", viewed and downloaded from www.americanancestors.org. The Connecticut Nutmegger, Volume 35, pages 434-440 (December 2002). Hereinafter cited as "John Dennie of Fairfield, later of Boston, and his family."

[S932] Harold Milton Ellis Ph. D., "Joseph Dennie and His Circle: a Study in American Literature from 1792 to 1812", Bulletin of the University of Texas 40 (15 Jul 1915): Chapter I, pages 9-16. Hereinafter cited as "Joseph Dennie and His Circle."

Grizzel's father died before 13 May 1708 when administration for his estate was granted in New York, and on 7 June 1708 Captain John Wakeman and Lieutenant Joseph Wakeman were named administrators. His two older children, John and Grizzel, chose their uncle, Lieutenant Joseph Wakeman, as their guardian, and he was also appointed guardian of the youngest child, James.1

Father and Son ThomasDennie and Henry Dennie were listed in the 1831 Boston City Directory as wine merchants at 105 State, Boston. Thomas' house was at 1 Allen, and Henry was listed separately at 57 Leveret.3

Death*

29 November 1841

The Old Cemeteries source reported his obituary stating he died on 29 November 1841 at age 46, and a notation made next to his baptismal record said he died in 1842.1,4

Citations

[S929] Brattle Square Church, The Manifesto Church, records of the Church in Brattle Square, Boston, with lists of communicants, baptisms, marriages, and funerals, 1699-1872, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. Microreproduction of original published in Boston by The Benevolent Fraternity of Churches, 1902. (Salt Lake City, Utah: filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1968), page169. Hereinafter cited as Brattle Square (Boston) Church records, 1699-1872.

James's father died before 13 May 1708 when administration for his estate was granted in New York, and on 7 June 1708 Captain John Wakeman and Lieutenant Joseph Wakeman were named administrators. His two older children, John and Grizzel, chose their uncle, Lieutenant Joseph Wakeman, as their guardian, and he was also appointed guardian of the youngest child, James.1

Citations

[S929] Brattle Square Church, The Manifesto Church, records of the Church in Brattle Square, Boston, with lists of communicants, baptisms, marriages, and funerals, 1699-1872, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. Microreproduction of original published in Boston by The Benevolent Fraternity of Churches, 1902. (Salt Lake City, Utah: filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1968), page 165. Hereinafter cited as Brattle Square (Boston) Church records, 1699-1872.

[S932] Harold Milton Ellis Ph. D., "Joseph Dennie and His Circle: a Study in American Literature from 1792 to 1812", Bulletin of the University of Texas 40 (15 Jul 1915): Chapter I, pages 9-16. Hereinafter cited as "Joseph Dennie and His Circle."

Citations

[S929] Brattle Square Church, The Manifesto Church, records of the Church in Brattle Square, Boston, with lists of communicants, baptisms, marriages, and funerals, 1699-1872, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. Microreproduction of original published in Boston by The Benevolent Fraternity of Churches, 1902. (Salt Lake City, Utah: filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1968), page167. Hereinafter cited as Brattle Square (Boston) Church records, 1699-1872.

John's father died before 13 May 1708 when administration for his estate was granted in New York, and on 7 June 1708 Captain John Wakeman and Lieutenant Joseph Wakeman were named administrators. His two older children, John and Grizzel, chose their uncle, Lieutenant Joseph Wakeman, as their guardian, and he was also appointed guardian of the youngest child, James.2

A Negro man, reputed to be John Dennie's, was hanged with a rope around his neck fastened to a limb of an apple tree in 1716. He was clear from the ground, in an orchard formerly belonging to Jonathan Morehouse and now to John Denny.4

Occupation

11 August 1719

The Dennie family belonged to the merchant aristocracy which became dominant in the New England capital with the decline of the theocratic system soon after the beginning of the 18th century. John Dennie, probably Albert's oldest son, was the founder of the family in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England). He was engaged in business in that town as early as 11 August 1719 when a sale to him of "one dozen verses", rhymes like those of Mother Goose, was recorded by Thomas Fleet, printer. His home however was probably at Fairfield for some time, since most of his children were baptized there, though the absence of two names from the Fairfield church register may denote an occasional residence at Boston. By the 1730s, at any rate, he was established in Boston and from then until his death his name appears frequently in deeds and other records there.3

John Dennie's house was described in Price's view of Boston in 1743. It was "a magnificent house of great size and height and quaint architecture with terraces and gardens called Captain Cunningham's Seat."8

John Dennie wrote a will dated 25 December 1744. He bequeathed to his loving wife Sarah forever one third part of all his estate both real and personal whether in this province, the colony of Connecticut, or elsewhere at her own disposal, his three Negro servants together with all household stuff. His will directed that 500 pounds lawful money of the province be lodged with his executors to be put to interest and improved for any of his children who were under age at the time of his death. He bequeathed to his son Albert Dennie 25 pounds lawful money which, with what he had already received, was his full portion and share. All the remainder of his estate, whether real or personal, he gave to his four other sons: John, William, Thomas and Joseph, and to his five daughters Mary, Grizzel, Elizabeth, Sarah and Abigail to be equally divided among them.

The biggest surprise in the will, published by researchers in 2002, was learning about Joseph, the fourth son of John Dennie. Joseph had not been mentioned in earlier research published in 1930-1932.

Mr. Dennie's will named his children in groups of men and then of women. The order of the naming by gender by their father in his will corresponds to the known dates from records in Fairfield Church. His will was not challenged in court.1

Research Opinion*

Many researchers have found his will both interesting and revealing in its articles and language. It should be noted however that the Nutmegger researchers in 2002 came to the conclusion that sons Albert and John were the same person, stating that Albert, who was usually known as John, was also called John later in the will. This researcher in 2012 found additional evidence indicating that both an Albert Dennie and a John Dennie were sons of John Dennie Sr. Our research continues as we study land records and probate documents for a definitive conclusion.5,3,1

The names of John Dennie Sr. and his two older sons, AlbertDennie and JohnDennieJr., appeared on a petition signed by subscribers obtained in New England and presented on 24 July 1745 to Christ Church, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England). The large group of subscribers was promising to contribute in a variety of amounts for the commission and payment of a ring of eight bells for the church's new brick tower. John Dennie Sr. pledged £5, John Dennie Jr. and Albert Dennie each pledged £10.5

Occupation*

between 1743 and 1747

Between 1743 and 1747, John Dennie Sr. managed the town warehouse in Boston.3

The Inventory of the deceased John Dennie identified a large estate. The document is an eight-page inventory of items valued at 22,000 pounds old tenor (apparently converting to about 5,000 pounds in "new" money of that time). The inventory is full of costly mercantile items and is a descriptive document, in itself, of social history. He had been a successful merchant, and one half of the inventory was cash: 12,200 pounds in notes.

John Dennie had bought and inherited Connecticut real estate in both Fairfield and Ridgefield. Although he had mentioned his Connecticut real estate in his will, bequeathing it to his wife and children, in his inventory no Connecticut real estate was named.

The three Negro servants mentioned in his will appear on the inventory as "Negro man Caesar with one foot aged about 40, Negro man Ned, and Negro woman Flora". The servants with both feet are valued more highly than Caesar with one. There were two, not three, sets of Negro bedding listed.1

Estate*

No records were found of payments to John's minor children over the years, nor was any distribution found of his estate.1

Land Records*

The distribution of John Dennie's Connecticut real estate as bequeathed in his will of 1744 was not known to researchers until 2002 and presented many questions. He left his real estate in two parts: two-thirds of his Connecticut property directly to his nine named children, and one-third of all his estate forever "both real and personal whether in this province the colony of Connecticut or elsewhere" to his widow Sarah. This bequest created an estate in real property in Connecticut for Sarah (Webb) Dennie, his widow. Because Sarah died without leaving a will, it was left to the courts to identify and name Sarah's children and heirs.

Land records in Fairfield and in Ridgefield, both in Fairfield County, Connecticut, gave researchers information on the identity of Sarah's heirs. The land records also clarified John Dennie's two wives and clearly identified their two sets of children. Sarah (Webb) Dennie's children were named, and those of Mary (Edwards) Dennie were identified as the other children. Joseph Dennie appeared with Sarah's children as her heir, but not as her son.

The Dennie children all eventually, after they attained their majority, or for the girls, married, sold their Fairfield and Ridgefield real estate. Researchers noted in their report, as an aside, that the real estate was of small value compared to the other property they inherited from their father.

Determined researchers explained their strategy by stating that complete land research for a parcel of property required that deeds be located for all the land sales of the heirs of John Dennie, which they called "the two thirds of the property" and of the heirs of Sarah Dennie, or "the one third of the property". They believed these transactions would identify all the interested parties in the entire package of real estate under review. They knew they were looking for a minimum of two deeds: one for the nine children of John Dennie and one for the court determined heirs of John's widow, Sarah (Webb) Dennie. Unfortunately, they did not know the maximum number of deeds they were looking for, since each of the children could have sold separately, one at a time.

Extensive research of the Dennie family land records in both Fairfield and Ridgefield was said by the researchers to have been "revealing, surprising and astonishing." They took special note in the first two land sales in the grouping and the unity of eight of the heirs. Eight of the nine children named in John Dennie's will joined together to sell all their two thirds interest at one time in one transaction. The deed named each of the eight stating "which said [children] are eight of the children and heirs of John Dennie late... Whereas the same John Dennie by his last will and testament duly proved gave and bequeathed unto his said eight children and his other son Joseph two full third parts of all the real estate... nine acres in Fairfield..." The deed was dated 24 Jan 1758 and recorded 8 Jun 1762. All of the parties named except Joseph signed at one time.

The second deed they found recorded in Fairfield was the sale by the Sarah Dennie heirs, again excepting Joseph. Sarah's four children were named and described as "children and heirs of Sarah Dennie late of Boston deceased intestate... whereas Mr. John Dennie late... by his last will duly proved approved and allowed gave and bequeathed to his widow the said Sarah Dennie one full third part of all his real estate in fee simple... The same Sarah soon after dyed intestate leaving the said William Thomas Sarah and Abigail and one Joseph Dennie her children and heirs". The deed was dated and recorded on the same dates as the first deed, 24 Jan 1758 and 8 Jun 1758, respectively.

The researchers also noted that William Dennie had received a double portion as the eldest son of the intestate Sarah, not the eldest son of John, and sold both parts. Sarah's other three children each received and sold one part. Joseph Dennie had received one portion which he would sell separately, later. John Dennie's son John had received two portions of his father's estate, and each of his siblings had received one. All, except Joseph, sold in full in the first deed described.1

Citations

[S928] Robert W. Hull, "John Dennie of Fairfield, later of Boston, and his family: Mary (Edwards) Dennie and her children, Sarah (Webb) Dennie and her children, and John Dennie's other son, one Joseph Dennie", viewed and downloaded from www.americanancestors.org. The Connecticut Nutmegger, Volume 35, pages 434-440 (December 2002). Hereinafter cited as "John Dennie of Fairfield, later of Boston, and his family."

[S930] Donald Lines Jacobus, compiler and editor, Families of Old Fairfield, Connecticut, online database viewed and downloaded from the New England Historic and Genealogical Society at www.AmericanAncestors.org. Originally published in 2 Volumes, New Haven, Connecticut, by The Tuttle, Morehouse & Taylor Company, 1930-1932. (Boston, Massachusetts: New England Historic and Genealogical Society, 2008), Volume I, page 182. Hereinafter cited as Families of Old Fairfield, Connecticut.

[S932] Harold Milton Ellis Ph. D., "Joseph Dennie and His Circle: a Study in American Literature from 1792 to 1812", Bulletin of the University of Texas 40 (15 Jul 1915): Chapter I, pages 9-16. Hereinafter cited as "Joseph Dennie and His Circle."

[S929] Brattle Square Church, The Manifesto Church, records of the Church in Brattle Square, Boston, with lists of communicants, baptisms, marriages, and funerals, 1699-1872, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. Microreproduction of original published in Boston by The Benevolent Fraternity of Churches, 1902. (Salt Lake City, Utah: filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1968), page101. Hereinafter cited as Brattle Square (Boston) Church records, 1699-1872.

JohnDennie and MaryDennie may have been twins, as stated (with certainty) in the Hooper source. The Families of Old Fairfield publication in 1930-1932 stated that John and Mary's brother Albert's "name was apparently changed to John" but offers no evidence. The Nutmegger researchers in 2002, after seeing the will left by the Senior John Dennie, supported the theory, which this researcher does not believe is correct. After finding multiple pieces of evidence proving that Albert and John were both in Boston at the same time, and merchants like their father, we seriously question the previous conclusions. A second reading of Nutmegger's John Dennie of Fairfield, as it relates to John's will and subsequent land deeds of his heirs, appears to confirm our need to view the will itself and the land deeds, and to also search for land that may have been given to Albert before the will was written.2,3,4,5,6,1

John Dennie was probably not yet born, and therefore not baptized on 4 March 1716 in Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut. It should be noted here that the Joseph Dennie source provided no birth or baptismal date for Albert, the son he recorded as the first born, and provided the date of baptism for John Dennie as 4 Mar 1716 and placed him second in the birth order. Both Jacobus in his Families of Old Fairfield, and the Nutmegger source, who took their information from Jacobus, provided a baptismal date for John of 4 Nov 1716. They also thought Albert and John were the same person. This researcher will need to review the original records to determine our own conclusion. His age at death, recorded in the Old Cemeteries source, would make his birth year around 1721 and still the second son.5,6,1

Name Variation

In Boston, after he became active in business with his father, John was often identified as John Dennie Jr.7,3

(Son) Residence

1743

In 1743, John's father's house was described in Price's view of Boston. It was "a magnificent house of great size and height and quaint architecture with terraces and gardens called Captain Cunningham's Seat."2

John Dennie was named in the will of his father JohnDennie dated 25 December 1744. He bequeathed to his loving wife Sarah forever one third part of all his estate both real and personal whether in this province, the colony of Connecticut, or elsewhere at her own disposal, his three Negro servants together with all household stuff. His will directed that 500 pounds lawful money of the province be lodged with his executors to be put to interest and improved for any of his children who were under age at the time of his death. He bequeathed to his son Albert Dennie 25 pounds lawful money which, with what he had already received, was his full portion and share. All the remainder of his estate, whether real or personal, he gave to his four other sons: John, William, Thomas and Joseph, and to his five daughters Mary, Grizzel, Elizabeth, Sarah and Abigail to be equally divided among them.

The biggest surprise in the will, published by researchers in 2002, was learning about Joseph, the fourth son of John Dennie. Joseph had not been mentioned in earlier research published in 1930-1932.

Mr. Dennie's will named his children in groups of men and then of women. The order of the naming by gender by their father in his will corresponds to the known dates from records in Fairfield Church. His will was not challenged in court.1

(Son) Research Opinion

Many researchers have found the will of JohnDennie both interesting and revealing in its articles and language. It should be noted however that the Nutmegger researchers in 2002 came to the conclusion that sons Albert and John were the same person, stating that Albert, who was usually known as John, was also called John later in the will. This researcher in 2012 found additional evidence indicating that both an Albert Dennie and a John Dennie were sons of John Dennie Sr. Our research continues as we study land records and probate documents for a definitive conclusion.3,5,1

(2nd Son) Occupation

John and his four brothers, Albert, William, Thomas and JosephDennie, all became merchants in Boston like their father JohnDennie, dealing for the most part in West India commodities, such as molasses, sugar, rum and hemp.5

(Son) Church Bells

24 July 1745

The names of JohnDennieSr. and his two older sons, AlbertDennie and John Dennie Jr., appeared on a petition signed by subscribers obtained in New England and presented on 24 July 1745 to Christ Church, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England). The large group of subscribers was promising to contribute in a variety of amounts for the commission and payment of a ring of eight bells for the church's new brick tower. John Dennie Sr. pledged £5, John Dennie Jr. and Albert Dennie each pledged £10.3

(Son) Land Records

The distribution of John Dennie's Connecticut real estate as bequeathed in his will of 1744 was not known to researchers until 2002 and presented many questions. He left his real estate in two parts: two-thirds of his Connecticut property directly to his nine named children, and one-third of all his estate forever "both real and personal whether in this province the colony of Connecticut or elsewhere" to his widow Sarah. This bequest created an estate in real property in Connecticut for Sarah (Webb) Dennie, his widow. Because Sarah died without leaving a will, it was left to the courts to identify and name Sarah's children and heirs.

Land records in Fairfield and in Ridgefield, both in Fairfield County, Connecticut, gave researchers information on the identity of Sarah's heirs. The land records also clarified John Dennie's two wives and clearly identified their two sets of children. Sarah (Webb) Dennie's children were named, and those of Mary (Edwards) Dennie were identified as the other children. Joseph Dennie appeared with Sarah's children as her heir, but not as her son.

The Dennie children all eventually, after they attained their majority, or for the girls, married, sold their Fairfield and Ridgefield real estate. Researchers noted in their report, as an aside, that the real estate was of small value compared to the other property they inherited from their father.

Determined researchers explained their strategy by stating that complete land research for a parcel of property required that deeds be located for all the land sales of the heirs of John Dennie, which they called "the two thirds of the property" and of the heirs of Sarah Dennie, or "the one third of the property". They believed these transactions would identify all the interested parties in the entire package of real estate under review. They knew they were looking for a minimum of two deeds: one for the nine children of John Dennie and one for the court determined heirs of John's widow, Sarah (Webb) Dennie. Unfortunately, they did not know the maximum number of deeds they were looking for, since each of the children could have sold separately, one at a time.

Extensive research of the Dennie family land records in both Fairfield and Ridgefield was said by the researchers to have been "revealing, surprising and astonishing." They took special note in the first two land sales in the grouping and the unity of eight of the heirs. Eight of the nine children named in John Dennie's will joined together to sell all their two thirds interest at one time in one transaction. The deed named each of the eight stating "which said [children] are eight of the children and heirs of John Dennie late... Whereas the same John Dennie by his last will and testament duly proved gave and bequeathed unto his said eight children and his other son Joseph two full third parts of all the real estate... nine acres in Fairfield..." The deed was dated 24 Jan 1758 and recorded 8 Jun 1762. All of the parties named except Joseph signed at one time.

The second deed they found recorded in Fairfield was the sale by the Sarah Dennie heirs, again excepting Joseph. Sarah's four children were named and described as "children and heirs of Sarah Dennie late of Boston deceased intestate... whereas Mr. John Dennie late... by his last will duly proved approved and allowed gave and bequeathed to his widow the said Sarah Dennie one full third part of all his real estate in fee simple... The same Sarah soon after dyed intestate leaving the said William Thomas Sarah and Abigail and one Joseph Dennie her children and heirs". The deed was dated and recorded on the same dates as the first deed, 24 Jan 1758 and 8 Jun 1758, respectively.

The researchers also noted that William Dennie had received a double portion as the eldest son of the intestate Sarah, not the eldest son of John, and sold both parts. Sarah's other three children each received and sold one part. Joseph Dennie had received one portion which he would sell separately, later. John Dennie's son John had received two portions of his father's estate, and each of his siblings had received one. All, except Joseph, sold in full in the first deed described.1

Occupation*

Brothers John and WilliamDennie were among the most important merchants at Boston during the 1750s, 60s and 70s. Both were among the gentlemen occasionally invited to accompany the governor's train on formal tours of the Boston schools, and their names appeared frequently, in different capacities, in the records of the period.5

Residence*

22 December 1769

On 22 December 1769, the large elegant mansion house of Sarah and John Dennie Esq., a prominent Loyalist, was burned down. The home had been John's father's in Brighton, then a part of Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England). His friends, mostly Tories, generously contributed to his relief, and the home was quickly rebuilt.9,5,2

Loyalist*

Like many men of wealth and rank, John Dennie was loyal to the King's cause, and may have escaped expatriation as a Loyalist by dying early in the Revolutionary War.5

Death*

1 August 1777

He died on 1 August 1777, according to Boyle's Journal, or on 7 Aug 1777, according to the Joseph Dennie source, in Boston.5,10

Burial*

He was buried in T5, in the Thomas Dennie Tomb, on the west side of Kings Chapel Burying Ground, Boston. His age was recorded as 57 although, if his baptismal date has been reported correctly, he would have been 61.11

Family

Citations

[S928] Robert W. Hull, "John Dennie of Fairfield, later of Boston, and his family: Mary (Edwards) Dennie and her children, Sarah (Webb) Dennie and her children, and John Dennie's other son, one Joseph Dennie", viewed and downloaded from www.americanancestors.org. The Connecticut Nutmegger, Volume 35, pages 434-440 (December 2002). Hereinafter cited as "John Dennie of Fairfield, later of Boston, and his family."

[S934] Ebenezer Turell, The Life and Character of the Reverend Benjamin Colman, D.D. Late Pastor of a Church in Boston, New England, who Deceased August 29th 1747, downloaded from the Open Library Project at www.openlibrary.org. (Boston, Massachusetts: printed and sold by Rogers and Fowle and by J. Edwards, 1749), Chapter IX, pages 207-223. Hereinafter cited as The Life and Character of the Reverend Benjamin Colman.

[S932] Harold Milton Ellis Ph. D., "Joseph Dennie and His Circle: a Study in American Literature from 1792 to 1812", Bulletin of the University of Texas 40 (15 Jul 1915): Chapter I, pages 9-16. Hereinafter cited as "Joseph Dennie and His Circle."

[S930] Donald Lines Jacobus, compiler and editor, Families of Old Fairfield, Connecticut, online database viewed and downloaded from the New England Historic and Genealogical Society at www.AmericanAncestors.org. Originally published in 2 Volumes, New Haven, Connecticut, by The Tuttle, Morehouse & Taylor Company, 1930-1932. (Boston, Massachusetts: New England Historic and Genealogical Society, 2008), page 287. Hereinafter cited as Families of Old Fairfield, Connecticut.

[S929] Brattle Square Church, The Manifesto Church, records of the Church in Brattle Square, Boston, with lists of communicants, baptisms, marriages, and funerals, 1699-1872, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. Microreproduction of original published in Boston by The Benevolent Fraternity of Churches, 1902. (Salt Lake City, Utah: filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1968), pages 167 and 169. Hereinafter cited as Brattle Square (Boston) Church records, 1699-1872.

Based upon the parental disappointment and town scandal caused by the marriage of John's parents, it is very likely that he was born much earlier than the date recorded for his baptism, and possibly as early as late 1737.2,3

John's mother died after a long languishment on 17 May 1745 in Boston. John was just about 6 years old, and was left in the care of his grandfather, ReverendBenjaminColman.2

(Grandson) Will

25 March 1747

Nine-year-old John Dennie was named as the primary beneficiary in the will of his grandfather and guardian, the ReverendBenjaminColman, dated 25 March 1747 in Boston. Reverend Colman gave John the sum of £3,000, old tenor, in Bills of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, to be put into the hands of his Executors for John's use and benefit. The funds were to be put out to lawful interest to pay for his good education and support until he reached the full age of 22 years, at which time John was to be paid the Principal. His grandfather's will included many conditions of behavior in order for John to receive his inheritance, and identified alternative heirs should John die before he reached age 22. He also asked his Executors to deliver a collection of his favorite religious books, which he listed by author and title, to his nephew Benjamin Colman to be carefully kept for his grandson. His will referenced a plain wooden chest in his Study where he had already put some copies of his grandson's mother, his daughter Abigail Dennie's writings and poetry, her name written on most if not all of them, and directed that they, together with all the other copies of his own printed works found in his Study, also be preserved for his grandson or for his nephew Benjamin Colman himself and his son Benjamin.4

(Grandson) Codicil

28 August 1747

John's grandfather, the ReverendBenjaminColman, wrote a codicil to his will on 28 August 1747 in Boston. Reverend Colman died the next day before he could give it, as he had planned, to one of his Executors, JohnPhillipsEsq. of Boston, described as a worthy Deacon of the Church in Brattle Street. The codicil first confirmed his will and testament in its entirety, except for the addition written in the codicil which stated that if either his honored friend John Phillips, Esq. or his beloved nephew BenjaminColman of Boston, merchant, were to take upon them the trust and trouble of Executor to his will with the necessary care of the education of his grandson John Dennie, that £200 out of his estate should be allowed to him for the care and his great kindness. The codicil was not witnessed.

From a letter written on 7 Sep 1747 by Benjamin's widow MaryColman and included in the probate packet, we learned that Benjamin had completed writing his codicil in the evening, and put it in his desk drawer for the night. Mary wrote in her letter to JudgeEdwardHutchinson that Benjamin had told her he was thinking possibly of adding something more, and would complete it in the morning and then deliver it to Deacon John Phillips. Her letter stated that, between the hours of three and five in the morning of the 29th August, her dear husband, Dr. Benjamin Colman, told her that if he didn't have the opportunity to finish it, she should submit it to the court and that the court would be able to tell it was written in Benjamin's own hand and signed with his signature.4

The will of the ReverendBenjaminColman directed that a Trust for his grandson John Dennie be created. He ordered that the residue of his library be sold and the proceeds, together with his little silver plate and household goods, be added to the bonds, mortgages and monies he left, and that after the just payment of debts and legacies, the yearly income of the remaining personal estate, together with his house in Brattle Street, Boston, his only real property, be used to fund the Trust. He appointed his beloved nephew BenjaminColman and honored friends JacobWendellEsq., JohnPhillipsEsq. and ThomasHancock as Executors of both his estate and the Trust, relying on their love and goodness to accept the appointment for the sake of his poor, helpless grandson, for his custodial and desired, both worldly and spiritual good. It described, in some detail and with conditions, his instructions on how his grandson was to be raised to manhood.

In order that they might achieve that end, Colman empowered his Executors and Trustees, according to their best judgment, to rent, demand and receive rent, defend his title and property, to let out monies upon bond and to demand, receive, sue for, and recover monies due upon bond or mortgage, to also make necessary repairs and defray every arising charge. Most especially, though, he entrusted them to care for the board, schooling and education of his beloved grandson; to bring him up to learning or to put him to trade or merchandise, as they shall judge most fitting and convenient. And adding that if his nephew Benjamin Colman, or other of his honored Executors could board him and see to his profitable and pious instruction, or take him as their apprentice, it would be his wish.

The will informed his Executors and Trustees that, as a result of Articles of Indenture, or legal contract, agreed upon between himself and his son-in-law AlbertDennie, the natural father of his only branch and grandson, the boy's father had committed to Colman's care and ordering, all that concerned the education and support of his grandson John Dennie. The agreement gave Colman the right and responsibility to do for his grandson as a father for his child and empowered him to provide for him by will and testament as he was now doing. The will then committed John Dennie to the care and ordering of his worthy Trustees and Executors throughout his whole education in non age, requiring him to be respectful and subject to them as to his natural parent and guardian. If John should prove disrespectful, the will empowered his Trustees and Executors to withhold and deny to John, when he came of age, the £3,000 legacy bequeathed to him, and also to deny him from coming into possession of his dwelling house in Brattle Street. If John were to prove to be impolite or disrespectful, immoral or impious in the sober judgment and conscience of his Trustees and Executors, the will then ordered that his beloved nephew Benjamin Colman, who was also a Trustee, be put immediately into possession of Colman's house and land in Brattle Street, to remain unto him and the heirs of his body, and their heirs also lawfully begotten, forever. The will added that if John were to become or remain impolite or disrespectful, immoral or impious when he reached the age of 22 years, then the £3,000 bequeathed to him, together with all that should remain of his personal estate in the hands of his Executors and Trustees be equally divided among the surviving grandchildren, or their heirs, of his brother JohnColman.

If, on the other hand, his grandson John Dennie, by the Grace of God, for which he fervently prayed for him, prove himself a sober and virtuous youth, in a judgment of charity, with his parental blessing on him, he confirmed to him the £3,000 legacy at the age of 22 years, and with great pleasure he bequeathed to John his dwelling house and land in Brattle Street, to remain unto him and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten, forever. However, if John were to die without heirs, then the house and land should remain with his nephew Benjamin Colman of Boston, merchant, and to his son Benjamin and the heirs of their bodies lawfully begotten, forever.

The will ordered his Executors and Trustees, within the year following his death, to make the tender of his house in Brattle Street to his beloved nephew Benjamin Colman for him to occupy and dwell in, instructing him to keep it in good repair until the day of his grandson John reaching the full age of 22 years. His nephew Benjamin was ordered to pay rent of no more than £70 per annum, and that he then surrender it up to John Dennie, or legal heir of his body, or rent it of him or his as may be agreeable to him and them.4

John Dennie was named as a beneficiary in the will of the ReverendEbenezerTurell dated 9 November 1776 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Continental Congress). The will described John as the grandson of his father-in-law, Reverend Father BenjaminColman, and he gave John his large Preaching Bible in which there was a record of the Family of Colman. Turell also gave John a collection of coats, jackets and other articles of clothing.6

Death

before 22 September 1778

He may have been the John Dennie who died before 22 September 1778. He would have been 40 years of age. An estate advertisement appeared in the Independent Chronicle newspaper in Boston on 22 Sep 1778 regarding the estate of John Dennie. John's son, Ebenezer, was identified as "an orphan" by 16 Dec 1779 and his nine-year-old daughter, Betsy, was admitted to the Boston Almshouse by herself on 21 Aug 1778.7,8

Research Notes*

1779

When Ebenezer TurellDennie was described as an orphan in 1779, his mother Elizabeth (Jackson)Dennie was still alive. It is believed at this point, although we have no direct evidence, that his father John Dennie was likely deceased.6

Citations

[S929] Brattle Square Church, The Manifesto Church, records of the Church in Brattle Square, Boston, with lists of communicants, baptisms, marriages, and funerals, 1699-1872, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. Microreproduction of original published in Boston by The Benevolent Fraternity of Churches, 1902. (Salt Lake City, Utah: filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1968), page 161. Hereinafter cited as Brattle Square (Boston) Church records, 1699-1872.

[S934] Ebenezer Turell, The Life and Character of the Reverend Benjamin Colman, D.D. Late Pastor of a Church in Boston, New England, who Deceased August 29th 1747, downloaded from the Open Library Project at www.openlibrary.org. (Boston, Massachusetts: printed and sold by Rogers and Fowle and by J. Edwards, 1749), Chapter IX, pages 207-223. Hereinafter cited as The Life and Character of the Reverend Benjamin Colman.

[S932] Harold Milton Ellis Ph. D., "Joseph Dennie and His Circle: a Study in American Literature from 1792 to 1812", Bulletin of the University of Texas 40 (15 Jul 1915): Chapter I, pages 9-16. Hereinafter cited as "Joseph Dennie and His Circle."